2nd LD: Nigeria commences final collation of presidential election results amid tight security

Nigeria commenced the final collation of weekend's presidential election on Monday afternoon with the electoral chief, Attahiru Jega, leading the process amid tight security.

The electoral chief declared the collation process open and introduced the resident electoral commissioners present at the national collation center in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

Several road blocks were mounted by state security agents who also monitored the accreditation of officials and journalists within and outside the collation center.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria's electoral body, says it hopes to announce the winner late Monday.

Saturday's voting was extended by an additional day after the delayed arrival of ballot papers and some technical glitches.

Voting spilled into a second day on Sunday in some parts of Nigeria after some polling stations reported problems with the new electronic card reader. The process was largely peaceful despite sporadic attacks in southern states.

Counting of votes started on Sunday in the African most populous country. Tensions are high as the collation process drags slowly.

Analysts say this election is the closest to call in the country's history.

Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan is facing a stiff challenge from ex-military ruler Muhammadu Buhari.

Many hope the new leader can address the economic woes caused by falling oil prices and security threats posed by the extremist group Boko Haram. Endi